Purpose

The Policy is
updated annually to incorporate changes announced by Government,
administered by the Council.

Content

 The Cabinet considered a report of the
Director of Corporate Services and Chief Finance Officer, which
sought to inform of the updated Discretionary Business Rate Relief
Policy for 2026-27 in line with the changes announced by the
Government during 2025.
 
The Cabinet Member
Finance and Growth delivered a brief summary of the report’s
key points.
 
The Head of
Revenues and Benefits was in attendance to present the information
and to address the questions and comments of the Cabinet Members
and of the Leader of the Conservative Group.
 
The Officer
briefly outlined the policy included in Appendix 1 to the
report.
 
Resolved:

1.    
That the removal of Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief
Scheme be noted;

2.    
That the updated Transitional Relief scheme be
noted;

3.    
That the updated Small Business Support scheme be
noted;

4.    
That the new Electric Vehicle ChargePoint scheme
 be noted;

5.    
That the new Pub and Live Music Venues Relief be
noted;

6.    
That the Chief Finance Officer be given delegated authority,
in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Finance and Growth to
finalise the 2026-27 Discretionary Business Rate Relief Policy in
the event that the Government announce any further changes for
2026-27.
 
Reason for
decision:
The changes
announced by Government must be implemented and administered by the
Council. The policy had been updated to reflect this.
 
Alternatives
considered and rejected:
None –
Government had instructed the Council to implement and administer
the changes to the Business Rates scheme.